Wildfires grip Turkey amid extreme heat, 1,500 evacuated
For several days, Turkey has been battling relentless wildfires. Since July 25, these fires have spread to Antalya, a region known for its popular tourist resorts.
Turkish authorities reported progress on July 27 in their battle against the blazes affecting coastal regions. New fires were reported in Bursa province, located south of Istanbul, according to DW. In some Turkish regions, temperatures are soaring to +50 degrees Celsius.
On the morning of July 27, Turkey's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, held a press conference, stating that most fires were under control, though some still persisted. According to his data, 84 natural fires were extinguished nationwide in the past 24 hours, 36 of them forest fires.
"It seems the situation won't be resolved within two or three days," the minister said, urging citizens not to light fires outdoors.
The official mentioned that fires near the city of Silifke in the coastal province of Mersin, and those near the city of Serik in Antalya province, have been brought under control. In the coastal city of Gazipaşa in Antalya province, the fight against the flames is ongoing. New fires have also erupted in the coastal province of Bursa, south of Istanbul, and in several regions further inland.
Ibrahim Yumakli stated that over 1,500 people in Turkey have been evacuated due to the fires.
The minister noted that currently, even a small wind can spark a large fire due to the extreme heat that has settled over the country. In Antalya, daytime temperatures reach up to +35°C, while in some regions, they climb as high as +50°C.
The Russian Telegram channel "Perviy Turisticheskiy" (literally "First Tourist") reported that wildfires have approached Bodrum, Marmaris, Manavgat, and even Antalya Airport.
"No evacuations have been announced yet, but the Russian Embassy advises tourists to be extremely cautious and to follow the news," stated the Russian Union of Tourism Industry. They also added that, as of now, the fires have not affected the areas frequented by Russian tourists.
Earlier, the deaths of 10 firefighters battling the blaze were reported.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
